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Boxer Orlando Cruz Talks About Why He Came Out

When professional boxer Orlando Cruz came out and said he is a "proud gay man," he made history as the first openly gay man in boxing.

"I've been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career," Cruz said in October 2012. "I want to be true to myself. I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career."

He continued, "I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican. I have always been and always will be a proud gay man."

Nearly a year later, the 32-year-old boxer is expressing his reason behind coming out. “I want respect," he told UK's The Guardian, according to On Top Magazine. "That's it. It's my decision, it's my life."

Cruz added that since revealing he's gay, 95 percent of the feedback he's received has been positive.